Best Places to See in Cape Town

Very few cities have left a lasting impression on me, but Cape Town is one of a kind. Coming into Cape Town, I didn’t quite know what to expect. In fact, I was constantly briefed on the dangers of the city rather than what to actually see. Not only did I find the city to be safe, but I also found it to be one of the most naturally stunning places on earth. Cape Town is more than just a tourist destination, but a booming cosmopolitan city great for expats. The weather is great, the things to see and do are endless, and it’s relatively inexpensive.

Here are my recommendations for the best places to see in Cape Town.

Bo-Kaap

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Formally known as “Malay Quarter”, Bo-Kaap is one of Cape Town’s most historical areas. It is here where the Dutch brought slaves from mostly Malaysia, Indonesia, and other parts of Africa during their occupation from the 1600’s to early 1800’s. The colorful homes represent the freedom of expression of the new homeowners.

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St James Beach (Muizenberg)

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A nice beach to kick back and relax. The real highlight are the colorful beach huts. Chapman’s peak drive will take you here.

The Rock

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The Rock or Sunset Rock is Cape Town’s hidden gem. This rivals pretty much any sunset in the city but without the crowds. To get here, take Ocean View Drive and follow the road through the Fresnaye neighborhood. Drive until you reach a dead end and you’ll see parking right next to the entrance.

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Signal Hill

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This is a pretty neat giant postcard view of Table Mountain. There are a few of these throughout the city, but this is hands down the best view. Makes for a great photo too! 

Chapman’s Peak Drive

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A long road between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, which offers incredible views of Cape Town’s coast. Don’t worry about capturing photos while driving; there are plenty of places to pull over and capture the moment. 

Biscuit Mill

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The Biscuit Mill is a cool, hip, and vibrant market place located in Woodstock. Each Saturday, locals and tourists flock to the The Neighbourgoods Market from 9am-2pm where they can find an assortment of domestic and international cuisine, fresh produce, freshly squeezed juice, and much more.

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The Spice Route

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A winery located about 45 minutes from Cape Town with a spectacular view. For just 50 rand, ($3.75) you can sample 5 different types of wine, which is a steal! This was one of my favorite places in Cape Town. A nice classy vibe and great place to spend the afternoon. 

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*I also recommend taking the cable car up to the top of Table Mountain to see an overview of the city. Unfortunately, it was too windy when I was in Cape Town, so the cable car was closed. Bummer! Nevertheless, I had an amazing time and highly recommend Cape Town!